Search form

Social Menu

Memorial Day Activities in NYC

Memorial Day Activities in NYC

Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces—and several events will be held throughout the city on Monday (May 25) to honor these individuals.

Enjoy a number of activities at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum—a military and maritime history museum with a collection of museum ships in Manhattan’s Midtown West neighborhood. Monday’s activities include a commemoration ceremony; interactive displays; tour guide talks about Pearl Harbor, the Hubble Space Telescope and more; and a U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue demonstration. For a complete list of events, click here. Admission to the museum is free for U.S. veterans on May 25.

Looking to leave Manhattan for a day at the beach this Memorial Day? Coney Islandhas been a seaside escape since the early 20th century. Many still flock to southwest Brooklyn to stroll the famed boardwalk, take a bite out of a Nathan’s Famous hotdog, enjoy the rides and games at Luna Park and ride the Cyclone roller coaster, which dates back to 1927. On Monday, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow will take place at the famed attraction, with continuous admission from 1 to 8 p.m. (last ticket sold at 7 p.m.). During the show, curious minds can see Ray Valenz, Betty Bloomerz, Princess Pat, Alejandro Dubois, Velvet Crayon, and Patrick "Strange" Salazar perform. For details, click here.

If a day at the park is more up your alley, but the thought of a holiday spent at jam-packed Central Park is not ideal, some say Prospect Park is to Brooklyn what Central Park is to Manhattan. BK’s largest park—at 585 acres—is full of attractions like Lefferts Historic House, the Zoo, greenmarket and a few playgrounds. On Monday, the Prospect Park Audubon Center will host a free series of Nature Exploration events from noon to 4 p.m.—including the chance to meet the animals in the Audubon Center, the opportunity to learn problem-solving skills through different outdoor play-based activities, and more. With a suggested $3 donation, you can discover what life was like on a Flatbush farm in spring with potato planting at Lefferts Historic House. Tickets will also be available for purchase to ride the park’s Carousel, which dates back to 1912. Water activities at Lakeside—a section of the park that spans 26 acres—also start Monday. For a complete list of events, click here.

Folks can enjoy Memorial Day on the water with a dinner cruise from Spirit Cruises, which includes a mouthwatering buffet, awe-inspiring views of the cityscape, entertainment and access to the Sky Deck Lounge. The cruise boards at 6:30 p.m. on Monday for a sailing from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The cruise departs from Chelsea Piers. For more information, click here.